After closing the 2550th Buddha Jayanti Celebration in Bodhgaya, His Holiness returned to Varanasi on the 20th of February, arriving at Vajra Vidhya Insitute in the afternoon. On his final day in Varanasi, the Karmapa fed the deer at Deer Park in Sarnath and meditated in front of the relics of Sakyamuni Buddha stored at the Relic Stupa. His Holiness then departed for New Delhi, on his way to back to Dharamsala.

Before departing New Delhi, His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa gave a teaching to the Tibet Study Group of India outdoors at the International Centre Auditorium in New Delhi. His Holiness arrived at his temporary camp in Gyuto Ramoche Tantric University on the 25th of February.

On the 28th of February, His Holiness was invited to participate in celebration of the Tibetan New Year (Losar according to the Phukluk Tibetan calendar — see Read the rest of this article

HH Karmapa addressing the attendees of the Buddha Jayanati in Bodhgaya on February 19, 2006, celebrating the 2550th anniversary of the Buddha

His Holiness arrived in Bodh Gaya from Varanasi on 17th February, to attend the 2550th Buddha Jayanti Celebration, at the invitation of the Maha Bodhi Society of India. Along with his entourage, His Holiness reached the Mahayana Guest House in the early afternoon, where he was received by Ven. P. Seewalee Thero, Bhikkhu-in-charge, MBSI, Bodhgaya center at the main gate of the Guest House, who offered a khata Read the rest of this article

At the request of Ven. Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche, His Holiness joined in the last day of the practice of the Dakmema Puja at Vajra Vidhya Insitute on February 13, 2006. In January 2002 after the completion of the 2001 Kagyu Monlam, His Holiness presided over a conference at Vajra Vidhya of all Karma Kamtsang monasteries. At that conference, His Holiness called on all Kamtsang Monasteries to focus their attention on reviving the cycle of the Thirteen Tantras of the Great Marpa Lotsawa, which tantras are central to the Kagyu monastic practice. The conference members decided to apportion the revived study and practice of these tantras among different monasteries. Ven. Thrangu Rinpoche Read the rest of this article

The Karmapa and Dalai Lama are among the attendees at the International Conference on Buddhism in Asia on February 10, 2006

On Wednesday, February 8, 2006, His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa attended a conference entitled “The Convergence of the Views of the Four Great Lineages of Tibetan Buddhism” at the request of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The conference was held at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, Varanasi. His Holiness Karmapa had not originally planned to attend the conference, but after his stay in Sarnath was extended, he accepted H.H. the Read the rest of this article

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

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